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Education

A native of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Turk graduated from Roanoke College with his bachelor's degree in 1949 and from the Washington and Lee University School of Law in 1952. From 1943 to 1946, Turk also served on active duty in the US Army as a Staff Sergeant.[1]

Professional career

Turk was a private practice attorney in the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1952 to 1972 . He also served as a member of the Virginia State Senate as a elected Republican from 1959 to 1972. He served as the minority leader of the Republican Senate Caucus from 1965 to 1972.[1]

Notable cases

William A. White case (2009)

Judge Turk was the presiding judge in the case of William A. White, head of the American National Socialist Workers Party. White was charged with making threats to an administrator of a University of Delaware diversity program. On December 3, 2009, the judge threw out an attempt by White's attorneys to dismiss the case.[3] White was found guilty and sentenced to 30 months in prison.[4] His appeal was denied by the Fourth Circuit Court.[5]